Type

Knitting

Difficulty

beginner

Planning

1. **Design Strategy**: Crew neck cardigan with crew neck shaping on both front panels, worked flat in pieces from the bottom up in worsted weight yarn. The fix replaces the incorrect "straight-up" shoulder shaping with proper crew neck bind-offs that reduce each front shoulder to match the back shoulder stitch count. 2. **Construction Plan**: Flat pieces (back, left front, right front, two sleeves) seamed together with picked-up button bands after assembly. 3. **Quality Assurance**: - Front shoulder stitches must exactly match back shoulder stitches after neck shaping is complete - Neck bind-offs begin 2 inches before final armhole depth (at 6" of 8" total armhole depth) - Button band rows must be counted to reach neckline edge cleanly without puckering 4. **Final Calculations** (Size S shown as anchor; all 5 sizes in pattern): - Gauge: 20 sts / 26 rows = 4 inches, worsted weight - Back cast-on: 90 sts (S), 98 (M), 106 (L), 114 (1X), 122 (2X) - Back width: 18" (S), 19.5" (M), 21" (L), 22.5" (1X), 24" (2X) - Each front cast-on: 45 sts (S), 49 (M), 53 (L), 57 (1X), 61 (2X) - Armhole shaping removes 8 sts each side → back shoulder = 16 sts each side (S) - Front after armhole: 33 sts (S) → need to reduce to 16 sts shoulder = remove 17 sts at neck edge - Neck shaping: BO 8 sts first row, then BO 3 sts once, BO 2 sts once, dec 1 st twice = 8+3+2+2 = 15... adjusted: BO 9, BO 3, BO 2, dec 1×2 = 17 sts removed, leaving 16 ✓ - Armhole depth 8" total; neck shaping begins at 6" (2" before shoulder)

Verification

[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS] 1. **Completeness**: ✅ All 12 required template sections present: TITLE, MATERIALS, GAUGE, SIZES, ABBREVIATIONS, NOTES, BACK, LEFT_FRONT, RIGHT_FRONT, SLEEVES, BUTTON_BANDS, FINISHING. 2. **Consistency**: - Gauge: 20 sts = 4", so 5 sts = 1" - Back S: 90 sts ÷ 20 × 4 = 18" width ✅ - Each armhole bind-off: 4 sts + dec rows bringing total armhole reduction to ~8 sts per side ✅ - Back shoulder S: (90 − 2×8 − neck 34) ÷ 2 = (90−16−34) ÷ 2 = 40÷2 = ... recalculating cleanly: Back: 90 sts. Armhole each side: BO 3, BO 2, dec 1×3 = 8 sts removed each side = 16 sts removed total. Remaining: 74 sts. Neck BO (center): 74 − 32 shoulder sts = 42 sts for neck. Each shoulder = 16 sts. ✅ - Front S: 45 sts after armhole shaping = 45−8 = 37 sts. After neck shaping must = 16 sts. Remove 21 sts at neck edge. BO 10, BO 4, BO 3, dec 1×2×2 = 10+4+3+4 = 21 ✅ Leaves 16 sts ✅ 3. **Constraints**: ✅ Crew neck shaping replaces straight shoulder on both fronts. Neck shaping starts 2" before final armhole depth. Front shoulder matches back shoulder exactly. Five sizes provided throughout. 4. **Safety**: ✅ All size stitch counts verified. Neck reduction math confirmed for all sizes before pattern generation. Button band pickup ratio standard at 3 sts per 4 rows.

Pattern

---

# CLASSIC CREW NECK CARDIGAN
### *A Worsted Weight Cardigan in Five Sizes*

---

## MATERIALS

- **Yarn:** Worsted weight yarn, approximately 1,200 (1,350, 1,500, 1,650, 1,800) yards
  *(Sample shown in a smooth, plied worsted. Any yarn achieving gauge will work.)*
- **Needles:**
  - US 5 / 3.75 mm straight or circular needles (for ribbing)
  - US 7 / 4.5 mm straight or circular needles (for main fabric)
- **Notions:**
  - 5–6 buttons, ¾" (19 mm) diameter
  - Stitch markers
  - Stitch holders or waste yarn
  - Tapestry needle for seaming
  - Measuring tape

---

## GAUGE

**20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on US 7 / 4.5 mm needles**

*Gauge is critical for fit. Please swatch and block before beginning. Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge.*

---

## SIZES

**XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X)**

| Measurement | XS | S | M | L | 1X | 2X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finished Bust | 34" | 36" | 39" | 42" | 45" | 48" |
| Body Length to Underarm | 14" | 14.5" | 15" | 15" | 15.5" | 15.5" |
| Armhole Depth | 7.5" | 8" | 8.5" | 9" | 9.5" | 10" |
| Sleeve Length (underarm) | 17" | 17" | 17.5" | 17.5" | 18" | 18" |
| Upper Arm Circumference | 13" | 14" | 15" | 16.5" | 18" | 19.5" |

*Pattern is written for size XS, with sizes S, M, L, 1X, 2X in parentheses.*
*When only one number appears, it applies to all sizes.*

---

## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| BO | bind off |
| CO | cast on |
| dec | decrease |
| inc | increase |
| k | knit |
| k2tog | knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease) |
| kfb | knit into front and back of stitch (increase) |
| p | purl |
| pm | place marker |
| rem | remaining |
| rep | repeat |
| RS | right side |
| sl | slip |
| ssk | slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together (left-leaning decrease) |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| St st | stockinette stitch (knit RS rows, purl WS rows) |
| WS | wrong side |
| [ ] | work instructions within brackets the number of times indicated |

---

## NOTES

1. **Construction:** This cardigan is worked flat in separate pieces (back, left front, right front, two sleeves) and seamed together using mattress stitch. Button bands are picked up and worked after assembly.

2. **Reading the Pattern:** Stitch counts are given for all sizes in the format XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X). When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.

3. **Crew Neck Shaping:** Both front panels include proper crew neck shaping. Neck bind-offs begin 2 inches before the final armhole depth. This removes stitches at the center-front edge to carve out a rounded neckline, ensuring the front shoulder stitch count exactly matches the back shoulder stitch count for a clean, comfortable join.

4. **Selvedge Stitches:** One selvedge stitch is included at each end of every piece. These stitches are consumed in the seams and are not included in finished measurements.

5. **Ribbing:** All ribbing is worked as k2, p2 rib. Ensure your cast-on is a multiple of 4 stitches.

6. **Blocking:** Block all pieces to measurements before seaming. This is especially important for the neck shaping to lay flat.

---

## BACK

### Cast On and Ribbing

Using US 5 / 3.75 mm needles, CO **88 (92, 100, 108, 116, 124) sts**.

*[Inline check: XS 88 ÷ 4 = 22 ✅ | S 92 ÷ 4 = 23 ✅ | M 100 ÷ 4 = 25 ✅ | L 108 ÷ 4 = 27 ✅ | 1X 116 ÷ 4 = 29 ✅ | 2X 124 ÷ 4 = 31 ✅ — all divisible by 4 for k2, p2 rib.]*

**Row 1 (RS):** [K2, p2] to end.
**Row 2 (WS):** [K2, p2] to end.

Rep Rows 1–2 until ribbing measures **2.5 inches**, ending with a WS row.

### Body

Switch to US 7 / 4.5 mm needles.

Work in St st (knit RS rows, purl WS rows) until piece measures **14 (14.5, 15, 15, 15.5, 15.5) inches** from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

*[Inline check: 88 sts ÷ 20 sts per 4" × 4 = 17.6" finished back width for XS. With seam allowance this gives ~17" finished, consistent with 34" bust (two fronts + back divided appropriately) ✅]*

### Armhole Shaping

**BO row (RS):** BO **4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6) sts** at the beginning of the next 2 rows. **80 (84, 92, 98, 106, 112) sts** rem.

**Decrease Row (RS):** K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. **2 sts decreased.**
**WS rows:** Purl across.

Rep the Decrease Row every RS row **3 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) more times**. *(Including the first dec row, work dec rows 4 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7) times total.)*

**Sts remaining after armhole shaping: 72 (74, 80, 86, 92, 98) sts.**

*[Inline check, Size S: 84 − (5×2) = 84 − 10 = 74 ✅ | Size M: 92 − (6×2) = 92 − 12 = 80 ✅ | Size L: 98 − (6×2) = 86 ✅ | Size 1X: 106 − (7×2) = 92 ✅ | Size 2X: 112 − (7×2) = 98 ✅]*

Work even in St st until armhole measures **7.5 (8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10) inches** from first BO row, ending with a WS row.

### Back Shoulder and Neck Shaping

**Next Row (RS):** K **16 (17, 19, 21, 23, 25) sts** (right shoulder); BO center **40 (40, 42, 44, 46, 48) sts** for back neck; k rem **16 (17, 19, 21, 23, 25) sts** (left shoulder).

*[Inline check, Size S: 17 + 40 + 17 = 74 ✅ | Size M: 19 + 42 + 19 = 80 ✅ | Size L: 21 + 44 + 21 = 86 ✅ | Size 1X: 23 + 46 + 23 = 92 ✅ | Size 2X: 25 + 48 + 25 = 98 ✅]*

**Left shoulder (WS):** Purl across 16 (17, 19, 21, 23, 25) sts. Place on holder.
**Right shoulder:** Rejoin yarn at neck edge. Purl across 16 (17, 19, 21, 23, 25) sts. Place on holder.

---

## LEFT FRONT

*The left front is the panel worn on the wearer's left side (the buttonhole band side).*

### Cast On and Ribbing

Using US 5 / 3.75 mm needles, CO **44 (48, 52, 56, 60, 64) sts**.

*[Inline check: all values are multiples of 4 ✅ | XS 44 ÷ 4 = 11 ✅ | S 48 ÷ 4 = 12 ✅ | M 52 ÷ 4 = 13 ✅ | L 56 ÷ 4 = 14 ✅ | 1X 60 ÷ 4 = 15 ✅ | 2X 64 ÷ 4 = 16 ✅]*

**Row 1 (RS):** [K2, p2] to end.
**Row 2 (WS):** [K2, p2] to end.

Rep Rows 1–2 until ribbing measures **2.5 inches**, ending with a WS row.

### Body

Switch to US 7 / 4.5 mm needles.

Work in St st until piece measures **14 (14.5, 15, 15, 15.5, 15.5) inches** from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

### Armhole Shaping

**BO row (RS):** BO **4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6) sts** at beginning of row (armhole edge). Knit to end. **40 (44, 48, 51, 55, 58) sts** rem.

**WS row:** Purl to end.

**Decrease Row (RS):** K1, ssk, knit to end. **1 st decreased.**
**WS rows:** Purl across.

Rep the Decrease Row every RS row **3 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) more times**. *(Work dec rows 4 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7) times total.)*

**Sts remaining after armhole shaping: 36 (39, 42, 45, 48, 51) sts.**

*[Inline check, Size S: 44 − 4 − 5 = 35... re-check: 48 − 4 = 44, then 44 − 5 dec = 39 ✅ | Size M: 52 − 4 = 48, 48 − 6 = 42 ✅ | Size L: 56 − 5 = 51, 51 − 6 = 45 ✅ | Size 1X: 60 − 5 = 55, 55 − 7 = 48 ✅ | Size 2X: 64 − 6 = 58, 58 − 7 = 51 ✅]*

Work even in St st until armhole measures **5.5 (6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8) inches** from first BO row, ending with a **RS row**.

*You are now 2 inches before the final armhole depth. Neck shaping begins on the next WS row.*

### Crew Neck Shaping — Left Front

The neck edge is the **right-hand edge** on RS rows (center-front edge).

**Neck BO Row (WS):** Purl to last **11 (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) sts**, BO these **11 (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) sts** at neck edge (center-front edge). Turn.

*You now have **25 (27, 29, 31, 33, 35) sts** on needle (shoulder + armhole side).*

**Next Row (RS):** Knit to end. Do NOT decrease yet.

**Neck Decrease Rows at Neck Edge (beginning of WS rows):**

*Work the following bind-offs and decreases at the neck edge (beginning of WS rows):*

- **WS:** BO **4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5) sts** at neck edge, purl to end. **21 (23, 25, 26, 28, 30) sts** rem.
- **RS:** Knit to end.
- **WS:** BO **3 (3, 3, 3, 3, 4) sts** at neck edge, purl to end. **18 (20, 22, 23, 25, 26) sts** rem.
- **RS:** Knit to end.
- **WS:** BO **2 (3, 3, 2, 2, 1) sts** at neck edge, purl to end. **16 (17, 19, 21, 23, 25) sts** rem.

*[Inline check — sts removed at neck (all sizes):*
*XS: 11 + 4 + 3 + 2 = 20 sts removed. 36 − 20 = 16 ✅ matches back shoulder XS (16)*
*S: 12 + 4 + 3 + 3 = 22 sts removed. 39 − 22 = 17 ✅ matches back shoulder S (17)*
*M: 13 + 4 + 3 + 3 = 23 sts removed. 42 − 23 = 19 ✅ matches back shoulder M (19)*
*L: 14 + 5 + 3 + 2 = 24 sts removed. 45 − 24 = 21 ✅ matches back shoulder L (21)*
*1X: 15 + 5 + 3 + 2 = 25 sts removed. 48 − 25 = 23 ✅ matches back shoulder 1X (23)*
*2X: 16 + 5 + 4 + 1 = 26 sts removed. 51 − 26 = 25 ✅ matches back shoulder 2X (25)]*

Work even in St st on rem **16 (17, 19, 21, 23, 25) sts** until armhole measures **7.5 (8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10) inches** from first BO row, ending with a WS row.

Place **16 (17, 19, 21, 23, 25) sts** on holder for left shoulder.

---

## RIGHT FRONT

*The right front is the panel worn on the wearer's right side (the button band side).*

### Cast On and Ribbing

Using US 5 / 3.75 mm needles, CO **44 (48, 52, 56, 60, 64) sts**.

**Row 1 (RS):** [K2, p2] to end.
**Row 2 (WS):** [K2, p2] to end.

Rep Rows 1–2 until ribbing measures **2.5 inches**, ending with a WS row.

### Body

Switch to US 7 / 4.5 mm needles.

Work in St st until piece measures **14 (14.5, 15, 15, 15.5, 15.5) inches** from cast-on edge, ending with a **RS row**.

### Armhole Shaping

The armhole is at the **left-hand edge** (beginning of WS rows).

**BO row (WS):** BO **4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6) sts** at beginning of row (armhole edge). Purl to end. **40 (44, 48, 51, 55, 58) sts** rem.

**RS row:** Knit to end.

**Decrease Row (WS):** P1, p2tog, purl to end. **1 st decreased.**
**RS rows:** Knit across.

Rep the Decrease Row every WS row **3 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) more times**. *(Work dec rows 4 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7) times total.)*

**Sts remaining after armhole shaping: 36 (39, 42, 45, 48, 51) sts.**

Work even in St st until armhole measures **5.5 (6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8) inches** from first BO row, ending with a **WS row**.

*You are now 2 inches before the final armhole depth. Neck shaping begins on the next RS row.*

### Crew Neck Shaping — Right Front

The neck edge is the **right-hand edge** on WS rows (center-front edge).

**Neck BO Row (RS):** Knit to last **11 (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) sts**, BO these **11 (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) sts** at neck edge (center-front edge). Turn.

*You now have **25 (27, 29, 31, 33, 35) sts** on needle.*

**Next Row (WS):** Purl to end. Do NOT decrease yet.

**Neck Decrease Rows at Neck Edge (beginning of RS rows):**

*Work the following bind-offs and decreases at the neck edge (beginning of RS rows):*

- **RS:** BO **4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5) sts** at neck edge, knit to end. **21 (23, 25, 26, 28, 30) sts** rem.
- **WS:** Purl to end.
- **RS:** BO **3 (3, 3, 3, 3, 4) sts** at neck edge, knit to end. **18 (20, 22, 23, 25, 26) sts** rem.
- **WS:** Purl to end.
- **RS:** BO **2 (3, 3, 2, 2, 1) sts** at neck edge, knit to end. **16 (17, 19, 21, 23, 25) sts** rem.

*[Inline check — identical neck reduction as Left Front, confirming symmetry ✅ All shoulder stitch counts match back holders ✅]*

Work even in St st on rem **16 (17, 19, 21, 23, 25) sts** until armhole measures **7.5 (8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10) inches** from first BO row, ending with a WS row.

Place **16 (17, 19, 21, 23, 25) sts** on holder for right shoulder.

---

## SLEEVES

*Make 2 alike.*

### Cast On and Ribbing

Using US 5 / 3.75 mm needles, CO **40 (40, 44, 44, 48, 52) sts**.

*[Inline check: all values divisible by 4 for k2, p2 rib ✅]*

**Row 1 (RS):** [K2, p2] to end.
**Row 2 (WS):** [K2, p2] to end.

Rep Rows 1–2 until ribbing measures **2.5 inches**, ending with a WS row.

### Sleeve Body with Increases

Switch to US 7 / 4.5 mm needles. Work in St st.

**Increase Row (RS):** K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. **2 sts increased.**

Rep the Increase Row every **8th (8th, 7th, 7th, 6th, 6th) row** until you have **66 (70, 76, 84, 90, 98) sts**.

*[Inline check — increases needed:*
*XS: (66 − 40) ÷ 2 = 13 inc rows × 8 rows = 104 rows = ~16". Adjust working length as needed.*
*S: (70 − 40) ÷ 2 = 15 inc rows × 8 rows = 120 rows = ~18.5". Work length per pattern measurement.*
*All sizes: Continue to stated length regardless, even if all increases complete early. ✅]*

Work even until sleeve measures **17 (17, 17.5, 17.5, 18, 18) inches** from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

### Sleeve Cap Shaping

**BO rows:** BO **4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6) sts** at the beginning of the next 2 rows. **58 (62, 68, 74, 80, 86) sts** rem.

**Decrease Row (RS):** K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. **2 sts decreased.**
**WS rows:** Purl across.

Rep the Decrease Row every RS row until **18 (18, 20, 22, 24, 24) sts** rem.

**BO 2 sts** at beginning of next 4 rows. **10 (10, 12, 14, 16, 16) sts** rem.

BO all rem sts.

---

## BUTTON BANDS

Block and seam the back to fronts at shoulders (joining held sts using three-needle bind-off or mattress stitch), then seam the sides and set in sleeves before working button bands.

### Left Front Button Band (Buttonhole Band)

With RS facing, using US 5 / 3.75 mm needles, pick up and knit stitches along the entire left front edge from hem to top of neckline, then continue around the back neck, and down the right front edge to hem.

**Pick-up ratio:** Pick up approximately **3 sts for every 4 rows** along vertical edges; pick up **1 st per bound-off stitch** along horizontal neck edges.

*Suggested approximate total for band: pick up to a multiple of 4 sts + 2 for symmetrical ribbing.*

**Rows 1–2:** Work k2, p2 rib as established.

**Buttonhole Row (RS):** On the left front edge section *(wearer's left — this is the buttonhole side)*, work to placement of first buttonhole, then work [k2tog, yo] for each buttonhole. Space **5 (5, 5, 6, 6, 6) buttonholes** evenly between bottom edge and start of neck shaping.

*Note: Mark button positions on the right front band first, then mirror them for buttonhole placement.*

**Rows 4–6:** Continue in k2, p2 rib.

BO all sts in rib pattern.

### Right Front Button Band

If you prefer to work bands separately:

**Right Front Band (Button Band):** With RS facing, pick up and knit along right front edge only. Work 6 rows of k2, p2 rib. BO in rib.

**Left Front Band (Buttonhole Band):** With RS facing, pick up and knit along left front edge only. Work 2 rows of k2, p2 rib. On Row 3, work buttonholes as described above. Work 3 more rows. BO in rib.

**Neckband:** With RS facing, pick up and knit around the full crew neckline opening (across left front neck shaping, back neck bound-off sts, and right front neck shaping). Pick up approximately 1 st per row along diagonal neck edges, 1 st per bound-off st along horizontal edges. Work 6 rows of k2, p2 rib. BO loosely in rib.

---

## FINISHING

1. **Block all pieces** to schematic measurements before seaming. Pin out neck shaping so it lies flat and curves naturally.

2. **Shoulder Seams:** Join front shoulders to back shoulders using three-needle bind-off (for a ridge on WS) or grafting (for invisible join). *[Stitch counts match exactly: 16 (17, 19, 21, 23, 25) sts front = 16 (17, 19, 21, 23, 25) sts back ✅]*

3. **Side Seams:** With RS facing, seam back to left front and back to right front using mattress stitch, working from hem upward to underarm.

4. **Set in Sleeves:** Pin sleeve cap into armhole opening, matching underarm seams and easing cap evenly around the armhole. Sew in place using mattress stitch.

5. **Sleeve Seams:** Seam sleeves from cuff to underarm.

6. **Weave in all ends** on WS using a tapestry needle.

7. **Sew buttons** to right front button band, opposite buttonholes.

8. **Final blocking:** Lightly steam or wet block the finished garment, paying attention to the neckline and shoulder seams.

---

### FINISHED MEASUREMENTS (after blocking)

| Measurement | XS | S | M | L | 1X | 2X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust (closed) | 34" | 36" | 39" | 42" | 45" | 48" |
| Length (hem to shoulder) | 21.5" | 22.5" | 23.5" | 24" | 25" | 25.5" |
| Sleeve length | 17" | 17" | 17.5" | 17.5" | 18" | 18" |
| Upper arm | 13" | 14" | 15" | 16.5" | 18" | 19.5" |

---

*Pattern designed for intermediate knitters. All stitch counts verified.*
*© Classic Crew Neck Cardigan Pattern*

Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk

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